Decision 45 COM 7A.35

Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Libya) (C 184)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/23/45.COM/7A,
2. Recalling Decision 44 COM 7A.13 adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
3. Notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the State Party in securing projects and initiatives addressing a number of conservation issues and the improved presentation of the property;
4. Requests the State Party to continue its efforts in this regard, to keep the Committee informed on the evolution of the situation at the property and to inform it, through the World Heritage Centre, on any ongoing and future plans for major restoration or new construction projects that may affect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines;
5. Welcomes the outcomes of the damage assessment of the Roman Theatre and also encourages the State Party to carry out further investigation, involving an experienced stone conservator and a local structural engineer to determine, with the site management and the Department of Antiquities, the areas for direct intervention and a sustainable monitoring and conservation strategy for the property;
6. Further encourages the State Party to continue to consult the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies with regard to restoration materials and techniques planned to be used at the Roman Theatre and the other archaeological remains at the property before their application;
7. Reiterates its previous request to the State Party to initiate the process to develop a set of corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation, as well as the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies;
8. Further requests the State Party, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies, to develop a draft Retrospective Statement of OUV, for examination by the World Heritage Committee;
9. Requests furthermore the State Party to continue the close consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for the elaboration of a Minor Boundary Modification proposal, and to submit it in line with Paragraph 164 of the Operational Guidelines;
10. Continues to encourage the State Party to pursue the development of a Management Plan for the property, and invites it to seek the necessary technical and financial support and allocate the resources required for its implementation;
11. Continues to call for an increased mobilization by the international community to provide financial and technical support to the State Party, including through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund;
12. Notes with appreciation the invitation by the State Party for a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to the property to evaluate its State of Conservation, and encourages it to take place as soon as conditions permit;
13. Requests moreover the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 46th session;
14. Decides to retain Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Libya) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.